Posts in category: Life Style

“Heirlooms aren’t just tangible jewellery, it’s more about the story and the people around the pieces,” says Manasa Thakur Reddy, a beauty entrepreneur based in Hyderabad. The beauty of heirlooms lies in their timelessness, a reminder of our nanis and dadis who came before us and those who will come after.

Ahead of the Vogue Wedding Atelier presented by HSBC, the first Editor’s High Tea event was co-hosted by Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India, and Sudha Reddy, philanthropist, at the latter’s home in Hyderabad. A gathering of tastemakers and fashion enthusiasts took place at Mon Amour Palais—a soirée space created by Reddy in her abode.

Conversations about heirlooms and tales passed through generations during weddings and family affairs continued through the afternoon. Ahead, we deep dive into some of the standout pieces adorned by Hyderabad’s best-dressed women.

Rochelle Pinto, Bobby Kandhari and Sudha Reddy

Bobby Kandhari, entrepreneur and personal stylist, wore a gold statement necklace from her in-laws. “During the partition, an individual gave this to my father-in-law in lieu of a debt he was owed. Its origins are still unknown,” revealed Kandhari. She preserved it with its unpolished edges and broken parts and wears it with pride today. At the event, she wore the vintage necklace with an emerald ring, a wedding present from her mother, who received it as a present at her wedding decades before.

It’s during weddings, when so many heirloom pieces are made, switching hands from grandmother to mother, mother to daughter, a reminder of heritage, of family, of love. In a look that brought together the women in her family, Archana Rao, fashion and costume designer, styled her mother’s diamond wedding choker “with my grandmother’s gold chandraharam (multi-tiered necklace) and my mother-in-law’s burgundy clutch. So they’re all here with me in spirit,” she explained.

Perhaps this is why I like walking; I have always been greedy for details. Even in a monotonous trudge up and down my building terrace in Bangalore, there were details to be gathered. For instance, the exact length of a cup of tea is 12 walks up and down my terrace, at the rate of 1.5 sips per walk. Absolutely useless information to some, but a very specific memory of worry-free mornings from 2009, when I had started my first job. It’s not a landmark of place, but one of time.

Most landmarks are beloved because they are touched with nostalgia. When we lose them, we lose a connection to our past. Finding himself in Bangalore after many years, a friend felt the urge to take a walk on Indranagar’s 80ft road from his old apartment towards his first office in a bid to revisit a certain part of his life. When he got to the intended neighbourhood, he could no longer find his building or recollect anything around the place where the building used to be. Suddenly, he felt unmoored by the grid of the street, which he recognised and yet could no longer identify. Disoriented, he walked to his old office building, which had since become a restaurant, retaining its old floors and windows, yet with nothing familiar about it. He recalls this incident with a profound sense of loss.

It is inevitable that every landmark will eventually be lost to time. Interestingly, however, landmarks will also become evidence of that very time. During my pregnancy, walking was not for pleasure; instead, it was the only way to counter my diabetes. I religiously walked the same route for an hour every evening to regulate my sugar and the weight of my swiftly growing child. On these walks, I would encounter an elderly lady who soon became a bright spot on my route. She was tall and lanky, always dressed in patterned frocks, walking with the slow elegance that tall and frail people sometimes possess. We never spoke, but we exchanged smiles. I no longer walk that path, but if I ever happen to pass by, I know I will look for this lady who now defines the route for me, just as much as the sampangi tree at the end of the street. Even if she isn’t there, to me, she always will be.

When it comes to conquering the red carpet and the small screen, Bhumi Pednekar knows how to deliver looks that captivate us mid-scroll. Bhumi not only plays a part in the recent popular series The Royals but also becomes a fashion force, controlling every scene with great confidence, striking silhouettes and a wardrobe screaming royal aspirations.

From elegant lehengas pouring in royal drama to sharp power suits demanding attention, Bhumi’s style journey in The Royals is one worth obsessing over. Fashionistas and binge-watchers alike should get ready since we will be delving into her best outfits and just why she is the power queen of on-screen fashion this season!

When Bhumi walks into frame in her sleek white pantsuit, we know we’re in for a stylish journey. While the cigarette pants extend her frame and provide big boss babe vibes, the rather customized blazer hugs her shape just nicely. This is a lesson in modern power dressing when combined with a deadly heel and a swipe of deep red lipstick.

What gives her power suit moments such legendary quality? It’s the attitude not only in terms of cuts or colors. Bhumi balances gentleness and power by wearing her outfits like armor. You find yourself enthralled whether she is closing down corporate politics or planning her next action on the royal chessboard.

Playful touch: We’d want to imagine somewhere, even Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada is slow-clapping at Bhumi’s razor-sharp tailoring.

✨ Queen Energy, Activated: The Regal Lehenga

Then — poof! — the queen changes. Bhumi Pednekar stuns in an intricate zardozi embroidered lehenga. It featured a bold-cut blouse adorned with tassel detailing at the front, perfectly capturing the essence of royal opulence. Paired with a classic choker, a borla and statement cuffs from The Gem Palace, Bhumi looked absolutely stunning. To complete the look, her makeup and hair were styled to flawless perfection.

The royal lehenga events are quite spectacular. From voluminous skirts that whirl with every dramatic spin to elaborately adorned blouses with plunging necklines, these outfits help her to create a live, breathing depiction of royal fashion.

Somewhere between her elegant stroll and her flicked dupatta, we swear we heard the background score mutter, “All hail the queen.”

About ready to up the heat? Bhumi falls into a sexy black evening gown that shuts down the show. This outfit cries red carpet queen, a plunging neckline, and a sleek design. Bhumi finishes the outfit with dark eyelashes, strong lips, and statement heels that allow you to say, “Whew! The gown glistens softly under the lights.”

It’s more than just a dress; it’s a way of life. Bhumi’s confidence reveals a whole new level and shows that sometimes the best accessory is pure, unvarnished self-assurance.

Playful confession: Brb, rehearsing my black gown’s dramatic arrival down the hall. Watch out, global!

Without a traditional silk saree, no royal wardrobe is complete. Bhumi nails it wonderfully. She drapes herself in opulent fabric—think jewel tones, gold zari embroidery and that classic drape that never goes out of style. Combining beautiful bangles, earrings and a modern gajra in her hair, Bhumi becomes the height of old-school appeal.

This style is a lovely tribute to tradition, but with a touch of modern polish — perhaps a contemporary blouse pattern or new cosmetics. It reminds us that trends and history may dance together really elegantly.

Playful sigh: A saree has some enchanted quality. You wrap it around, and all of a sudden you’re elegant, poised, ready to rule the planet.

What then is the secret sauce behind Bhumi’s amazing The Royal appearances? It’s not only the clothes; it’s also her attitude about every one of them. Bhumi wears each Indian outfit with a blend of grace, boldness and humor that’s hard to resist whether she’s draped in silk or striding in stiletto.

✔ A power suit is your contemporary armor. 

✔ A lehenga will make you feel royal. 

✔ A breezy maxi is your go-to for effortless style.

✔ The one best confidence booster is a black gown.

✔ A saree is ageless magic.

Playful reminder: Your inner queen may be channeled without a royal title with the correct attire and a little confidence inspired by Bhumi-style.

The royal fashion journey of Bhumi Pednekar is a masterclass in adaptability, grace and pleasure, not only visual candy. She shows you how strong and fun, classic and edgy, subtle and dramatic you can be.

Thus, here is Bhumi, the queen in fashion and attitude who rules supremely. Her brilliant looks on on-screen, off-screen or on the red carpet will be much anticipated.

Playful ending: Bhumi should be informed that we are quite ready should she ever require a sidekick for a fashion montage. Crown, heels, and attitude at call!

Topically, it might offer barrier support and calming effects, but Dr Agarwal points out that the skin is a selective barrier. “Nutrient penetration is often overstated. Eating it might actually offer more benefits, provided there are no underlying contraindications.”

People with shellfish or seaweed allergies should tread carefully. “Topical application can sometimes lead to contact dermatitis. And when consumed, the high iodine content might trigger breakouts—particularly along the jawline—in those with acne-prone or hormone-sensitive skin.”

Her take? “Sea moss can support a routine and hydrate gently for some skin types, but don’t expect dramatic results.”

A nutritionist’s take

Nutritionally, the enthusiasm is a little more tempered. “We don’t yet have robust research to confirm all the claims,” says Karishmma Chawla, a Mumbai-based functional medicine nutritionist. “But there’s early data pointing to its potential.”

There’s no one right format—gel, capsule or powder. “It depends on how your body processes it. Bio-individuality matters more than packaging,” she explains. Her advice? Always take it under expert supervision, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Dosage, too, is trial and error. “There are no fixed rules,” she says. “Start slow, see how your body responds and go from there.”

Chawla also cautions against jumping in without laying the right groundwork. “Just because it’s rich in minerals doesn’t mean your body can make the most of it. I look at how well a client’s gut and liver are functioning first. If those detox pathways are sluggish, even a good supplement can end up stressing the system instead of supporting it.”

Her bottom line: “No supplement should exist in isolation. I always start with food, and only layer in supplements once the basics are sorted.”

So… is sea moss worth it?

Maybe—but probably not in the way Instagram makes it seem. There’s not enough hard science to crown sea moss a miracle, but with the right guidance and realistic expectations, it might earn a quiet, algae-slicked place in your wellness routine.

Also read:

5 protein-rich nuts to add to your plate this summer

The Danish dinner ritual that helps lower cortisol and ease you into sleep

I started drinking kefir every day (and making it myself), here’s what changed

18. How many times have you been in love, if at all?

19. What’s something you wish you were better at?

20. What are three qualities you truly value in a romantic partner?

21. What does a good date night idea include for you?

22. What’s your worst habit?

23. What’s the longest amount of time you’ve been single?

24. Which would you choose: six nights spent out with friends and one night at home a week, or six nights at home and one night out?

25. Do you see yourself as competitive?

26. How punctual of a person are you?

27. What’s something you’re looking forward to right now?

28. Do you consider yourself flirtatious?

29. What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on?

30. Are you someone who loves or hates their birthday?

31. What are you looking to get out of dating right now?

32. Do you see yourself as someone who enjoys taking risks?

33. What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken?

34. What do you consider a relationship deal-breaker?

35. Would you describe yourself as ambitious or as more easygoing?

36. How important is having your own space to you?

37. Would you rather text or talk on the phone?

38. How much time do you spend online?

39. What’s a small daily ritual or habit that brings you joy?

40. How do you typically respond to conflict? Do you face it head-on or need space first?

Relationship questions about romance and intimacy

1. Do you think that honesty is always the best policy in a relationship?

2. Who’s your model for a good relationship?

3. How does being around my family make you feel?

4. What was your first kiss like?

5. What’s one thing we do together that helps you feel connected to me?

6. Do you believe in soulmates?

7. How about love at first sight?

8. Where do you like to be touched?

9. Where do you not like to be touched?

10. What helps you feel sexy or attractive?

11. What’s your biggest turn-on?

12. What’s your biggest turn-off?

13. What’s your favourite part of your body?

14. When you’re feeling anxious, how can I be supportive?

15. When you’re feeling stressed, how can I be supportive?

Laser-sharp insights that cut through the noise are yours to claim, Gemini. This is that moment in time where you get to claim and create what you wish to hold in your arms – be it love, relationships, work or anything else. Yes, past resentments can hurt, but really, don’t let yourself spiral down that rabbit hole, sinking into a bottomless pit of self-doubt and worry. Anxieties are here to show you what you fear so that you can get a grip on your present moment and effectively contribute to it. Don’t let your fears of the future stop you from experimenting with all that fire ignited in your heart!

Cosmic tip: Ground your million ideas by figuring out a way to get started with them. Your wishes are being granted.

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Aries May 30, 2025

Taurus May 30, 2025

Cancer May 30, 2025

Leo May 30, 2025

Virgo May 30, 2025

Libra May 30, 2025

Scorpio May 30, 2025

Sagittarius May 30, 2025

Capricorn May 30, 2025

Aquarius May 30, 2025

Pisces May 30, 2025

Cosmic tip: Your angels are always protecting you. With this in mind, where would you like to go?

Here’s your checklist today, Leo: a) ask for help when needed; b) don’t rush the process; c) remember you are functioning on universal time. Which means, you can never be early or late, and you always have support at your disposal – be it through your loved ones or your angels. Steal tiny moments of peace amidst the noise. Remember that from now on, aligned action is the only kind of action you will be taking and talk your fear out of holding you back, much like smooth-talking a child into trying something new. Your seeming constriction is a mere reflection of all the ways in which you are not looking yet. That’s all.

Cosmic tip: Listen to your intuition. Trust your inner voice. And breathe.

You’re seeing things clearly now, no fluff, just facts. Your mind is sharp, your standards are high, and you’re ready to make decisions that actually align, Virgo. Whether it’s about relationships, work, or life direction, you’re choosing based on truth, not pressure. Old patterns or expectations might be pulling at you, but deep down, you know: this chapter is about you writing the rules. Something major is coming full circle, and the choices you make now are shaping what’s next in a big way. When you feel a pull between your heart and your head, always steer towards where your heart is leading you. For some, this message may apply to your love life as well. Whatever it is, choose an elevated stance and get your juices flowing.

Cosmic tip: Everything you have achieved until now – even the seemingly unseen – is worthy of celebrating.

Between personal dreams and fast-moving plans, balance is the name of the game right now, Libra. You are fuelled with passion, chasing big dreams and even grander joy; however, remember to take one step at a time, okay? Set up a system or a rhythm for yourself and try and act out on a more or less even-paced life. While you chase those sparkly goals, also feel immense gratitude for the tiny luxuries that already surround you. You can be all you want, but not all at once – so when you feel like retreating, do so without guilt; when you feel like stepping on the accelerator, do so without fear; and when you feel like excusing yourself from an unwanted protocol, do so with grace.

“I love how I look,” Sangtani declares unapologetically. From mall photo shoots to impromptu dress trials, from swimming in Goa to riding toy trains, she captures every moment. When shopkeepers complain about her posting photos of clothes she never bought, she tells them that her pictures will boost their sales. “Everyone tells me, ‘Aunty, we travel too, but you truly know how to have fun,’” Sangtani says, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Laxmi Shah. Photographed by Adarsh Jogani

Scherezade recalls a woman who described perimenopause as liberating. “While it is physically uncomfortable, she said that it was mentally freeing. She put it like this: ‘My expiry date has passed, so I can finally sit back, relax and be myself.’”

This is the great paradox of ageing and beauty: after years of being constrained by societal expectations, women find themselves in a moment of unexpected freedom. At the very moment society typically renders them invisible, they find their most expansive selves—unbound, unapologetic and entirely their own.

Vanity, at this stage, becomes more than a mere indulgence. It is the conduit through which women affirm who they are, choose how they want to be seen and make sure they are seen. Frame by frame, post by post, they write themselves back into a culture that erased them.

These are universal questions the show poses throughout the series, providing myriad answers through its four central characters. “They all show such different examples of what it means to be a woman,” says Emily. “And when they’re still figuring out dating into their late 30s, it makes me feel less behind and like I still have time left, which is admittedly such a grim statement but one that I find really comforting.”

Perhaps the most specifically thirtysomething issues that the series addresses are those around motherhood. Like Miranda’s unplanned pregnancy. Carrie’s contemplation over whether to pursue a relationship with Aleksandr Petrosky aged 38, knowing he doesn ’t want to have children. The scene when Samantha is told her cancer diagnosis could be related to her decision not to have children. And then there’s Charlotte’s fertility journey and her decision to pursue IVF.

“When I first watched the show as a teenager, these issues felt like something only ‘real adults’ had to deal with,” says Sarah* 36, who is now married and considering a family. “I’ve had two pregnancy losses and the episode covering Charlotte’s miscarriage really helped me process them at the time, while watching Carrie consider whether to have a baby at 38 has made me think deeply about how I’ll feel when I’m older if we choose not to try again. Whether I’ll regret it, or whether I could have a wonderfully fulfilling life, with friends and work and a relationship and disposable income, without a child.”

There are slightly more bittersweet moments of resonance, too. Like the episode where Carrie winds up celebrating her 35th birthday alone because her friends are separately all running late due to a confluence of unavoidable adult stuff. Later, after the women have managed to convene at their favourite coffee shop, she admits that despite knowing she has her career and her friendships, it felt “really sad” in that moment to be single. “I feel like I’m having the same conversation these days,” says Mia*, 33. “Like the shame of wanting something we’re not meant to want. The struggle is real—and lonely.”

As I’ve written about here before, major celebrations for single women are few and far between, at least where societal norms are concerned. Birthdays are really all we’ve got. And yet, as we get older, life gets in the way of them more and more in ways it somehow never does for weddings or hen dos—spare a thought for the woman running late to a game of Mr and Mrs. “This has come up for me a lot,” says Billie*, 41, whose friend with a toddler recently tried to arrange a small wedding ceremony on the day of their other friend’s 40th birthday party. “She had to properly explain to her that when you’re single, you have no opportunities to be celebrated.”

No matter what your sensory preferences are though, just remember that there is no such thing as the best colognes for men—some simply won’t match your personality, and what you like could also depend on the season, vibe, and mood you’re feeling that day. That’s part of the fun of experimenting with different fragrances—don’t be afraid to try something new.

In your exploration, do not let the note classifications deter you. Generally speaking, top notes refer to smells on first whiff, middle notes are typically the heart of the fragrance, and base notes are the aromas that tend to linger on the skin. Understanding this can, of course, inform your buy. Once you become more comfortable with scent profiles, you’ll be able to distinguish your men’s cologne preferences—whether you gravitate towards rich musks or something light and citrusy. This fall and winter, for example, you might appreciate cosier, spicy elixirs reminiscent of evenings spent by the fire or a warm embrace.

Are colognes and perfume for men the same thing?

Colognes and perfumes for men are both excellent choices for anyone in search of a new fragrance. The difference is, however, that colognes feature a lower amount of fragrance oil in their compositions: colognes are typically formulated with 2-4% fragrance oil, the perfume features around 20%, and an eau de parfum around 15%. That said, while all of these will smell great, of course, a perfume for men or eau de parfum would last longer than a cologne.

What is the difference between eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and cologne?

“The term eau de toilette came from the French term—faire sa toilette—which means getting ready,” says Linda Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation. How long they last depends on the composition of the fragrance oil. Eau de parfums contain 15-20% fragrance oil, versus cologne, which uses 2-4%. “Eau de toilettes are much lighter than eau de parfums and have fragrance concentration between 5% and 15%.”

This story first appeared in Vogue.com

Also read:

15 fragrances that are perfect for date night

6 best perfumes you need to try this winter—from spicy and woody to fruity notes for every wardrobe

Vogue’s guide to 11 best lip balms for soft and hydrated lips this season